Ducati Announce New Scrambler Pricing

Ducati Australia has announced pricing and delivery for the updated Scrambler 1100 PRO and Sport PRO models.

They arrive in September at $A18,400 ride away for the PRO and $A21,100 for the Sport PRO.

That compares with current 1100 Scrambler prices ranging from $19,790 to $22,990 for the Sport edition with Öhlins suspension.

When they were unveiled in January there was a lot of hoopla for what amounted to only a few cosmetic changes.

For example, the engine is the same.

Ducati debut Scrambler 1100 Pros
2020 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro

The only mechanical change is that both now come with Öhlins suspension like the current 1100 Sport.

Most changes are cosmetic, although they do represent a sizeable shift in styling.

The most significant is that the two new Scrambler 1100 Pros dispense with the ugly looping brake cable.

That looping cable was originally designed to be reminiscent of their original 1970s Scrambler 450 with high and wide off-road bars. But many riders hate it and have shortened or rerouted it.

The neater cabling is a welcome addition as is the Icon-style short rear fender and remote mudguard/plate holder.

The bars on the current 1100 are exceptionally wide. These are now black, narrower and shorter, with the Sport edition getting low-slung flat bars and Café Racer-style bar-end mirrors.

However, turning circle hasn’t been changed from a low 33 degrees.

Ducati debut Scrambler 1100 Pros

The other major change is the twin-stacked right-side mufflers. The Sport edition gets a brushed titanium-look finish.

Scrambler 1100 Pro comes in two-tone “Ocean Drive” (silver with an orange pinstripe) and black steel trellis frame and rear aluminium subframe.

Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro features matt black paint with black gloss “1100” on the tank.

LCD instruments and other details, dimensions and tech secs seem to be the same as the current 1100 models.

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Pro and Sport Pro

Engine: Engine: 1079cc, L-Twin, Desmodromic distribution, 2 valves per cylinder, air cooled
Bore x stroke: 98 x 71 mm
Compression: 11:01
Power: 63kW (86hp) @ 7500rpm
Torque: 88Nm (65lb ft) @ 4750rpm
Economy: 5.2 l/100km
Emissions: CO2 120g/km
Transmission: 6-speed, wet clutch
Sport suspension: Öhlins fully adjustable 48mm USD fork; Öhlins monoshock, pre-load and rebound adjustable
Standard suspension: Marzocchi fully adjustable 45mm USD fork; Kayaba mono shock preload and rebound adjustable
Wheels: 10-spoke alloy, 3.50″ x 18”; 5.50″ x 17”
Brakes: 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 callipers, 4-piston, axial pump; 245mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper; Bosch Cornering ABS
Wheelbase: 1514mm (59.6in)
Rake/trail: 24°.5/111mm (4.4in)
Total steering lock: 33°
Fuel: 15 litres (3.96 US gal)
Dry weight: 189kg (417lb)
Wet weight: 206kg (454lb)
Seat: 810mm (31.9”)
Length: 2190mm (86”)
Height: 1330mm (52.4”)
Width: 895mm (35.2”)
Wheelbase: 1514mm (59.6”)
Standard equipment: Riding Modes, Power Mode, Ducati Safety Pack (Cornering ABS + DTC), RbW, LED light-guide, LED rear light with diffusion-light, LCD instruments with gear and fuel level indications, Steel tank with interchangeable aluminium side panels, Machine-finished aluminium belt covers, Under-seat storage compartment with USB socket
Warranty: 24 months unlimited mileage
Service and valve check: 12,000km (7500mi)/12 months

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Zero Plans Off-Road Bikes

The top-selling electric motorcycle company in the world, Zero Motorcycles, looks like it is heading off-road.

The Californian company has filed two trademarks for “Zero FX/E” and “Zero DSR/X”.

There is no explanation in the filing with the American patents and trademarks office, but we suspect these mean they are going off-road.

The FX model is a supermoto and we think the “E” could mean enduro. It certainly wouldn’t mean electric as it is already electric!

As for the DSR, that’s a dual-sport bike, so the X could simply mean it is more extreme in its dirt abilities.

Zero FX Dual-Sport

Electric dirt bikes make a lot of sense as they don’t require the extensive range of a road bike and they don’t disturb the peace and quiet of a forest or annoy the neighbours.

Zero Motorcycles pulled out of the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2017 citing exchange rates and taxes.

That hasn’t changed much since then and we have received no word from the company about any change in policy.

When they pulled out their fleet consisted of the S, SR, DS, DSR, FX, and FXS ranging in price from $A18,000 to $A25,000 on the road. You could also buy an optional $4790 Power Tank battery which extends range up to 320km.

In 2019, they added the SR/F model to challenge the Harley-Davidson LiveWire.

Zero’s bike has better performance and range but costs about $US11,000 less than the LiveWire.

The Harley costs $US29,799 in the US and will arrive in Australia next month at $A49,995.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Alcoba renews with Gresini Racing for the 2021 season

“I’m absolutely over the moon for the fact that a team like Gresini Racing has chosen to bet on me for next year as well. I must admit that it is sort of ‘liberating’ as I can now ride with less pressure, at least from thi point of view. It’s obvious that this first year is a learning experience: we are working well and things are going the right way, but in 2021 we will try to raise the bar a bit, even though this shortened season is not helping ahead of the next one.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

The Northern Talent Cup is go!

The test is about more than just track time, however – it’s also chance for riders and teams to work together in the paddock environment for the first time, and for the whole NTC paddock to start to get to know each other. That also includes the class of 2020 meeting their rider coach, Dani Ribalta, who will be mentoring them throughout their time in the Cup. The goal is, after all, to win… but it’s also to learn, improve and make a step forward in their careers.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

A rare Gilera 500/4

Original Gilera 500/4 racer

With Phil Aynsley


This is one of the very few remaining original Gilera 500/4s, rather than a modern replica. Only fifteen were constructed during the decade plus they competed for.

An original Gilera 500/4 racer
An original Gilera 500/4 racer

Its original motor is “on the shelf” and another period motor (with providence) is now installed. It was a factory bike, raced in 1957, then retired when Gilera (together with Mondial and Moto Guzzi) quit GP racing at the end of that year.

The Gilera 500/4 with it's clothes off
The Gilera 500/4 with it’s clothes off, this model runs a period motor, with the original shelved

In 1963 however Gilera returned to competition (using the very same ’57 machines) with the “private” Scuderia Duke team. The factory continued to race the bikes, with a number of podium placings, right up until the end of the 1966  – not bad for a design that traced its beginnings to the pre-war water-cooled supercharged Rondine (1939 Gilera 500 Rondine – Link).

When Gilera returned to racing they did so with the 1957 Gilera 500/4
When Gilera returned to racing they did so with the 1957 Gilera 500/4

The air-cooled, post-war version first appeared in 1948 and was designed by Ing. Remor (who moved to MV Agusta at the end of 1949 and designed a very similar motor for them), Gilera went on to win the Rider’s Championship in 1950 (Masetti), ’52 (Masetti), ’53 (Duke), ’54 (Duke), ’55 (Duke) and ’57 (Liberati).

An above view of the powerplant
An above view of the powerplant

Output was over 70 hp at 10,500 rpm and the bike had a top speed of about 260 km/h.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon special edition

Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition


Sean Wotherspoon is a rising stars of youth fashion in the USA, and at EICMA in 2019, the partnership between the Vespa brand and Sean Wotherspoon presented the first examples of a relationship. The Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon is a limited edition special that Vespa claims ‘expresses the creative energy of both Vespa and Sean’. Yeah, okay, it sure is colourful though!

Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition
Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition

Sean’s style is described by Vespa as ‘a vintage contemporary twist in his trademark manner, using a kaleidoscopic mix&match approach rooted in the ’80s and ’90s.’

The livery of Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon stands out for its 80s-style colour. Yellow, red, dark green and aquamarine envelop the vehicle, embellished with white inserts such as the front tie, the profiling of the Vespa silhouette and the wheel rims, the edges of which feature a replication of the contrasting Vespa logo.

Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition
Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition

The design is completed with chrome finishes for the headlight frame, luggage rack and passenger handle, and black details such as the hand grips and silencer cover. There is also a blend of materials including metal, plastic, velvet and rubber. In pure Vespa tradition, the body is made of steel, a distinguishing mark of the Vespa right from its inception.

The red foot board (in the same colour as the shock absorber), in plastic and with a blue rubber insert, stands out on the metal body. Wotherspoon has chosen a light brown ribbed velvet for the saddle. To this he has added a white finish and his distinctive street artist’s tag is placed on the front alongside the classic Vespa logo in white.

Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition
Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition

A graphic serially repeats the name ‘Primavera’ for an original optical perspective. Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon will be available in late-September 2020 for $7990 MLP + ORC at a selected network of dealers in the 150 cc engine capacity.

Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition
Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition

Vespa Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Specifications

Engine I-get single cylinder, 4 strokes, 3 valves, 154 cc
Bore x Stroke 58 mm x 58.6 mm
Compression Ratio N/A
Claimed Power 9.5kw at 7750 rpm
Claimed Torque 12.8Nm at 6,500 rpm
Induction Electronic Injection PFI (Port Fuel Injection)
Gears CVT with torque server
Clutch N/A
Frame /
Forks Single arm with helical spring and single double-acting hydraulic shock absorber
Shock Double-acting shock absorber, adjustable to four positions at preloading
Wheels/Tyres Die-cast aluminum alloy 3.00×12” – Tubeless 110/70-12″
Front Brakes Hydraulically operated ø 200 mm stainless steel disc brake
Rear Brake Mechanically operated ø 140 mm drum brake
Electronics N/A
Instrumentation Analogue speedometer, digital display
Kerb Weight N/A
Seat Height 695 mm
Wheelbase 1,334 mm
Rake / Trail N/A
Fuel Capacity 7 (± 0.5) liter
Available Late August, 2020
Price $7990 MLP + ORC
Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition
Primavera Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition

Source: MCNews.com.au

BMW making big claims for new maintenance free chain

BMW M Endurance chain

Motorcycle chains have come a long way in the past two decades. And this area of maintenance is one where it pays not to go cheap, as a good quality high-end chain that costs twice the price of a cheaper option will generally last two to four times as long, need less adjusting, and in many applications hardly need any lubrication during the life of the chain. Ride in horrible conditions then a quick clean of the chain with a kero soaked rag or the like is generally enough to ensure long fuss-free life. These days you hardly need a chain adjustment outside of rear tyre changes and the initial break-in period.

Overnight though BMW claimed that they have made another step forward in regards to chain life and maintenance with the release of the new M Endurance chain.

BMW M Endurance chain

Like previous X-ring chains on offer from various chain makers, the M Endurance chain has a resident permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins, enclosed by X-rings.

BMW claim their new version, however, is that the previously necessary additional lubricant addition for the rollers and thus the familiar “chain lubrication” is no longer necessary, nor is any re-tensioning required from time to time due to the usual wear.

BMW claim these gains have been made possible by using a new coating material for the rollers: tetrahedrally amorphous carbon (ta-C), also known as industrial diamond. This coating is characterized by extreme hardness and resistance and in this respect it is placed between the well-known DLC coating (Diamond Like Carbon) and pure diamond.

In contrast to the metal surfaces used so far, the coating with the ta-C industrial diamond does not wear off. At the same time, this type of coating also offers a drastically reduced friction coefficient.

The M Endurance chain in 525 pitch is now available initially for the two 4-cylinder models BMW S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR and they are preparing to release these new chains for other models in the BMW Motorrad range in the near future.

Australian pricing and ETA is yet to be confirmed. Will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the claims and how quickly other chain manufacturers might adopt this coating process.

BMW M Endurance chain

Source: MCNews.com.au

Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Indian Motorcycles

Time is running out to grab an incredible deal for Dad this Father’s Day!

For a limited time, we’re offering a huge 20% discount* off selected jackets. Online only, only while stocks last. Check out the range below.

Simply use the code: FATHERSDAY20 at the checkout.

Get Dad’s gear NOW and pay for it LATER…with AFTERPAY!

Afterpay gives you the convenience of getting your purchase as soon as you want it, with the bonus of paying it off in 4 equal payments every 2 weeks on orders of $150 or more.

Source: MCNews.com.au

BMW Introduces Maintenance-Free M Endurance Chain

BMW announced a new drive chain design that it claims requires as little maintenance as a shaft drive. The M Endurance chain will initially be offered in 525 pitch as an accessory or a factory option for the BMW S1000RR and S1000XR, before eventually being offered for other BMW models.

At first glance, the M Endurance is a typical X-ring design, with a permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins. The secret, says BMW, is a new coating material called tetrahedrally amorphous carbon (ta-C), a type of industrial diamond, to the rollers and bushings.

We’re familiar with Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coatings used for reducing friction in parts like fork tubes or engine internals that benefit from added hardness and reduced friction. Ta-C is a particularly effective form that BMW claims performs somewhere between typical DLC coatings and pure diamond. According to BMW, ta-C coatings do not wear off metal surfaces while offering a low friction coefficient.

 

The result, says BMW, is a chain that requires no maintenance or cleaning, benefits typically found on shaft-driven motorcycles but without the added weight.

There’s no word on U.S. availability yet but the M Endurance chain is listed on BMW UK’s online bike configurator as an £100 add-on (US$132).

Begin Press Release


BMW Motorrad presents the M Endurance chain

Lubricating your chain was yesterday. Maintenance-free like the shaft drive for the first time.

For more than 90 years, the maintenance-free, environmentally friendly and comfortable shaft drive has been one of BMW Motorrad’s immovable technical cornerstones. With the M Endurance chain, BMW Motorrad now offers a maintenance-free chain with comparable characteristics for the first time.

Like previous X-ring chains, the M Endurance chain has a resident permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins, enclosed by X-rings. What is completely new, however, is that the previously necessary additional lubricant addition for the rollers and thus the familiar “chain lubrication” is no longer necessary, nor is any re-tensioning required from time to time due to the usual wear.

This enormous gain in comfort was made possible by using a new coating material for the rollers: tetrahedrally amorphous carbon (ta-C), also known as industrial diamond. This coating is characterized by extreme hardness and resistance and in this respect it is placed between the well-known DLC coating (Diamond Like Carbon) and pure diamond. In contrast to the metal surfaces used so far, the coating with the ta-C industrial diamond does not wear off. At the same time, this type of coating also offers a drastically reduced friction coefficient.

Thanks to excellent dry lubrication properties and the elimination of wear, the tetrahedral amorphous carbon coated rollers of the M Endurance chain offer maintenance comfort equivalent to that of a shaft drive motorcycle. This includes all the cleaning work that is unavoidable with a conventional chain due to splashed lubricant. Accordingly, the M Endurance chain also offers maximum environmental friendliness.

The M Endurance chain in 525 pitch is now available initially for the two 4-cylinder models BMW S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR. The M Endurance chain is available as accessory or directly from the factory as an option. Further BMW Motorrad models are being prepared for this feature.

The post BMW Introduces “Maintenance-Free” M Endurance Chain appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Announced

Royal Enfield North America has announced notable updates to the 2021 Himalayan. These updates include switchable ABS to help riders when riding off-road, a revised rear brake that is said to improve braking performance, a redesigned side-stand and new hazard lights switch. MSRP is $4,999.

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Announced

From Press Release:

Royal Enfield, the global leader in the middleweight motorcycle segment, announced today the launch of the 2021 Himalayan with new features adding to the already impressive legacy of the 411cc adventure motorcycle.

Since its introduction in 2016, the Himalayan has earned the respect and admiration of discerning motorcyclists and aspiring adventure riders.

Starting September 1, 2020 interested consumers may reserve a 2021 Himalayan at www.RoyalEnfieldNA.com. Quantities are limited and are only available through the website. Once reserved, consumers will present a unique buyer’s code at participating Royal Enfield dealers within seven days of receipt to confirm the reservation.

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Announced

The 2021 Himalayan retains the original versatility and durability of the motorcycle, with added features to improve the riding experience. New for 2021 is a switchable antilock braking system (ABS) providing riders with more control when navigating challenging off-road conditions. The new Himalayan also features a revamped rear brake mechanism that improves brake engagement and rider feel for decreased stopping distances. Additional features in response to customer feedback also include an improved side-stand design and hazard light switch in case of road or trail side emergencies.

The new Royal Enfield Himalayan will be available in three new colorways, Lake Blue and Rock Red, and Gravel Gray, adding to the existing portfolio of Snow White, Granite Black and Sleet. The motorcycle comes with a three-year warranty and will be available across all Royal Enfield dealerships in North America starting at $4,999.

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Announced

“The Himalayan continues to be one of the best-selling units in North America,” said Krishnan Ramaswamy, interim Business Head and President of Royal Enfield Americas. “The affordability, versatility and capability of the Himalayan has established it as a musthave adventure bike and with these updates, it’s better than ever before. Simplicity and a great riding experience are the center of who Royal Enfield is as a brand. We’re pleased that the Himalayan continues to deliver that experience to riders across the globe. It’s not only an approachable bike for the young and entry level rider but also a good dual-purpose addition to the stable of an experienced biker.”

The Himalayan includes a wide variety of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories as well, allowing riders the freedom to customize the Himalayan according to their pursuits. To see the full lineup of accessories and apparel, visit www.RoyalEnfieldNA.com/accessories.

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Announced

The Himalayan, which was launched primarily for the Indian markets, has become one of the best adventure touring motorcycles in its segment globally. It has paved the path for more accessible forms of adventure touring and the new Himalayan will further strengthen this underserved category.

The perfect motorcycle companion for adventure touring and exploration has just gotten even better.

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Announced

2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan Photo Gallery:

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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